Programs
RHYTHM & ROSES – FALL 2024
The Historic BK House & Gardens is offering music afficionados a special treat this fall with a new Rhythm & Roses Concert Series, extending the popular spring concerts into September, October and November. British-born, American funk and R&B musician Jon Cleary will kick off the series with a solo performance on Friday, September 27, at 6 pm. Cleary, an accomplished pianist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, will perform from 6-9 pm in the beautifully manicured BK House Parterre Garden, 1113 Chartres Street.
Rhythm & Roses, presented by BK house neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop, will run through Friday, November 1, except for October 11, and will feature a wide array of popular New Orleans talents. The opening concert will be presented in part by NOLAxNOLA.
September 27: Jon Cleary
October 4: Jason Neville Funky Soul Band
October 18: Helen Gillet and Rebelle Musique
October 25: Dusky Waters & Rachel Maxann
November 1: Jelly Joseph
Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members and are available at www.bkhouse.org. Food and beverages will be sold on site. Because beverage sales support on-going maintenance of the garden, outside beverages will not be permitted.
Concert-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance due to anticipated popularity of the event and size of the historic setting. Limited seating will be provided; however, attendees may bring small chairs provided space allows.
Quarter Kaleidoscope
The Quarter Kaleidoscope
The Quarter Kaleidoscope is a live storytelling event where those who call the Quarter home invite you to hear their stories. Experience the true essence of this iconic neighborhood through the voices of those who’ve made it their own.
The Historic BK House & Gardens and The Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents, and Associates (VCPORA) are coming together to document and celebrate the elements that have made the French Quarter such a vibrant, functioning neighborhood for so long.
Join us for an evening of captivating tales that reveal the rich, personal histories woven into the very fabric of the Quarter, reminding us all that this place is more than just a destination—it’s a living, breathing community. Get your tickets now and connect with the heart of the French Quarter like never before!
Doors open at 5:30; programming starts at 6:00.
PAST PROGRAM Sept. 14: Beautiful Spaces Symposium: Exploring the History and Legacy of New Orleans Gardens
Location: BK House, 1113 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA
Date: September 14, 2024 10am- 3pm
The annual Beautiful Spaces Symposium, scheduled for September 14, 2024, at the historic BK House in the French Quarter, will focus this year on the cultural legacy of gardens in New Orleans. This well-rounded event promises to be an inspiring day dedicated to exploring the rich history, design, and cultural significance of the city’s gardens. Distinguished experts will share their knowledge and insights, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the landscapes that have shaped this unique city. From formal parterre gardens to indigenous wild spaces, the symposium will cover a broad spectrum of garden design and history, celebrating the artistry and cultural heritage embedded in New Orleans’ outdoor spaces.
Event Schedule:
9:30 – 10:00 AM: Coffee & Registration
10:00 – 10:10 AM: Welcome & Introduction
10:10 – 11:00 AM: Lake Douglas, FASLA – “New Orleans Landscapes: 1720s-1960s”
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Anna Timmerman – “Formal Parterre Gardens and Their Creolization”
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Hosted Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Dr. Tammy Greer – “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending the Southern Missssippi Medicine Wheel Garden”
2:00 – 3:00 PM: René J. L. Fransen, FALSA – “Garden Journeys: Exploring the History and Design of New Orleans Landscapes” 3:00 PM: Closing Reception, Immediately followed by light herbal cocktails
Presentation Descriptions:
- Lake Douglas, FASLA – “New Orleans Landscapes: 1720s-1960s”
This presentation will take you through 240 years of New Orleans’ garden history, from the colonial period’s elegant designs to landscapes shaped by a blend of cultural influences. Lake Douglas will use engaging visuals to help attendees gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the city’s gardens.
- Anna Timmerman – “Formal Parterre Gardens and Their Creolization”
Anna Timmerman will explore the influence of French garden design on New Orleans’ landscapes. Attendees will trace the origins of parterre garden design in Europe, understand its key elements, and see how these formal gardens were adapted to fit the local environment of New Orleans.
- Dr. Tammy Greer – “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending the Southern Miss Medicine Wheel Garden”
Dr. Tammy Greer will share insights into the vital role that tended wild spaces played in indigenous survival. Her presentation will focus on the importance of these spaces in modern sustainability efforts and offer wisdom on community, balance, and reciprocity through the lens of native plants and wild spaces.
- René J. L. Fransen, FALSA – “Garden Journeys: Exploring the History and Design of New Orleans Landscapes”
René Fransen will take you on a journey through the evolution of New Orleans gardens, examining the use of design materials, garden ornaments, and plant selections that have shaped the city’s landscapes. The presentation will also explore the integration of functional elements, such as drainage and raised homes, to create unique and captivating gardens.
About the Presenters:
- Anna Timmerman is an Associate Horticulture Agent for the LSU AgCenter, specializing in historical gardening. With a rich background in landscape horticulture, Anna brings her expertise to the symposium, sharing insights into the creolization of formal parterre gardens in New Orleans.
- Lake Douglas, FASLA, Professor Emeritus at the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, LSU, has dedicated his career to studying and preserving the history of designed landscapes in New Orleans. His presentation offers a historical journey through the city’s gardens.
- René J. L. Fransen, FALSA, founder and senior designer of Fransen Mills Landscape Architects LLC, combines his passions for architecture and horticulture to create distinctive residential designs in New Orleans. René’s lecture will explore the evolution of the city’s gardens.
- Dr. Tammy Greer, Director of the Southern Miss Center for American Indian Research and Studies, brings a unique perspective on the role of indigenous wild spaces in garden design. Her work emphasizes sustainability and food sovereignty through the tending of native plants.
This symposium provides a rare opportunity to delve into the rich history and design of New Orleans’ gardens, offering both historical context and practical knowledge for garden enthusiasts and professionals alike. Join us on September 14th for a day of learning, inspiration, and appreciation of the beautiful spaces that define New Orleans.
PAST PROGRAM: Everything’s Coming Up Rose Wine Tasting
Join us for an international tour of Rosés featuring wines from France, Austria, Chile, & Italy + food pairing by Glen Hogh, Chef/Owner of Vega Catering
PAST PROGRAM: Kristin Diable & Jonny Campos
Join us at the BK House on July 14 at 6pm for an unforgettable evening with New Orleans-based songwriter and artist Kristin Diable! Known for her mesmerizing sound and stunning voice, Kristin’s performance is a can’t-miss event. Come hear the music that NPR acclaims “rolls in like a summer storm and blooms like a Southern magnolia.” We’re thrilled to welcome Kristin and her band, The City, for a night of soulful tunes and timeless melodies. Don’t miss out—see you there!
PAST PROGRAM: BK House Summer Camp
Dive into a summer of timeless fun at the BK House Museum’s “Making History: An Arts and Crafts Summer Camp!” Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, this unforgettable summer camp is the perfect place for kids to spark their creativity, make new friends, and have a blast while soaking up the lively spirit of New Orleans.
Why Your Kids Will Love “Making History” Summer Camp:
- Daily Adventures: Every day’s a new discovery with trips to amazing places like the lively Congo Square, the intriguing Pharmacy Museum, and the legendary Jazz Museum, fueling your child’s imagination.
- Cool Crafts: Post-adventure, it’s all about getting those hands messy! From making soothing herbal salves to crafting their very own jazz instruments, your kids will create awesome artifacts they’ll be thrilled to show off.
- Cultural Celebrations: Your child will experience our local culture, savor the art of praline making, and emerge as vibrant storytellers of New Orleans’ culture.
- Fun-Filled Learning: Our dynamic docents make history a blast, leading kids through activities that spark joy and laughter while they learn and create.
- Lasting Memories: They’ll capture all the fun moments in a special time traveler’s notebook, making every page a treasure trove of their summer adventures.
Set in the historic BK House Museum, this camp is more than just a summer activity; it’s a passport to the past where every day is a joyous celebration of New Orleans’ heritage.
Spaces Fill Up Fast! Get in on the fun and secure your child’s spot for a summer they’ll never forget. For more information on camp dates, daily activities contact Nia DeCoux at nia@bkhouse.org.
Experience a Summer Camp Like No Other where your kids will laugh, learn, and leap into history! 🎉🎨🎺
Camp Quick Facts:
- Ages Welcome: 8-12
- Three Session Offered:
- Session 1: June 24-28
- Session 2: July 1-5
- Session 3: July 15-19
- Camp Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
- Extended Fun:
- Before Care: Opens at 8:30 AM
- After Care: Closes at 4:00 PM
PAST PROGRAM: Judith Owen – Jazz By Candlelight Featuring The Gentlemen Callers
BK House is excited to announce an extra special engagement, the second weekend of Jazz Fest, with Judith Owen featuring The Gentlemen Callers!
On Saturday May 4th from 7:30-9 Historic BK House presents Judith Owen – Jazz By Candlelight featuring the Gentlemen Callers. Delightful, daring, insightful, and fun: these are just some of the many adjectives that could be used to describe Judith Owen’s charming and seductive musical style.
She will joined by her backing band The Gentlemen Callers for what will be a memorable performance in the Historic BK House Grand Salon.
Tickets are $40 for VIP seating (very limited) and $30 for general admission. Doors at 7pm, show starts 7:30 There will be a cash bar provided by BK House.
PAST PROGRAM: 2024 Rhythm & Roses Concert Series
Back by popular demand, the Historic BK House & Gardens is delighted to welcome back Rhythm & Roses to the Parterre Garden on Ursulines at Chartres Street. Concerts will commence on Thursday, March 14, with Amanda Shaw kicking off festivities, and will end, Thursday, May 2, with a rousing close by Marcia Ball.
Performances will take place from 6-9 pm; gates to the beautifully manicured garden will open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members. Beverages will be available for purchase on site to benefit the ongoing garden maintenance and restoration.
For tickets, visit here: TICKETS
Special multiple concert package offered to BK House members. (Email us for special member package info!)
Amanda Shaw – March 14
New Orleans Nightcrawlers – March 21
Erica Falls – March 28
The Rumble – April 4
James Andrews – April 18
George Porter Trio – April 25
Marcia Ball – May 2
Concert-goers are encouraged to purchase advanced tickets due to anticipated popularity of the event and size of the historic setting. Limited seating will be provided; however, attendees may bring small chairs provided space allows. Outside beverages will not be permitted.
The exciting series is sponsored by BK House neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop.
Promotional support provided by OffBeat Magazine.
PAST PROGRAM: St. Joseph’s Day Altar Returns in 2024
St. Joseph’s Day Altar Returns
The Historic BK House & Gardens honors St. Joseph’s Day with an altar every year. Join us in marking this sacred Sicilian tradition, which has been celebrated in the French Quarter since Sicilian immigrants began arriving in the city in the late 19th century.
The altar will open on Monday, March 18 through Wednesday, March 20 from 10 AM – 4 PM. The public will be invited to visit and learn more about this important tradition.
To Contribute to the BK House St. Joseph’s Altar contact Joseph at joseph@bkhouse.org Contributions from the community are cherished and appreciated!
PAST PROGRAM: Cin Cin! Wines of Sicily
On Sunday, March 17, BK House will host Cin Cin! featuring five wines from Sicily, curated by Grand Krewe – Fine Wine & Spirits. Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene will lead participants through a tasting of selected varietals paired with dishes specially created by Messina’s Catering. The Glow Worm Trio (Guitar, Violin, Mandolin) will be performing Italian American music in the courtyard. Tickets are $45 for BK Members and $50 for non-members. Doors will open at 5:30 and the event is 6-8pm. While not officially blessed and open for viewing, attendees will have the opportunity to preview the uniquely Sicilian St. Joseph’s Altar at the event.